A Qualitative Assessment of Current Perception of Different Social Groups about Leprosy in High & Low Prevalent Districts of West Bengal.

Background: A KAP study on leprosy among leprosy patients, family members, community & service providers was conducted in both high & low prevalent district of West Bengal. As a part of the study, to corroborate its finding, a qualitative assessment on perceptions of different social groups about leprosy in the study area was undertaken.

Objectives: To assess perception & attitude of different social groups about leprosy.

Materials & Methods: 26 FGDs in high prevalent and 72 FGD in low prevalent districts of West Bengal were arranged with different social groups like health workers, ASHA, panchayer members, NGO repepresentatives etc. Total 274 persons in high prevalent districts & 780 persons in low prevalent districts, representing different social groups of the locality participated in the discussion.

Results: Most of the panchayet representatives & villagers had poor knowledge & adverse attitudes & stigma towards leprosy, whereas ASHA workers were found to have inadequate knowledge about the disease.

Conclusion: Community involvement, reorientation & adequate training of front line workers, proven IEC are required to address the problem..